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Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-inspired meal that’s easy to make and perfect for busy days. This hands-off cooking method makes tender, juicy chicken that’s slow-cooked in Mariana sauce and then finished with a topping of rich shredded cheese. Serve it over pasta for a one-pot dish everyone will love!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
- The chicken is tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly with an Italian herb and cheese coating that’s absolutely divine.
- It’s easy to make with a store-bought shortcut. Grab a jar of spaghetti sauce or your favorite marinara to make things easy. Cooked low and slow in the crockpot, the tangy tomato sauce infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
- It’s a one-pot meal. Finish the dish with a sprinkle of cheese, then serve with a simple, fresh green salad and crusty bread.
- It’s a wholesome meal that is perfect for a busy family yet, special enough for entertaining. This is what to make for dinner tonight!
Ingredients For Chicken Parmesan
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- Marinara Sauce – your favorite spaghetti sauce will also work great.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Bread Crumbs – you can use plain or Italian seasoned.
- Italian Seasoning
- Red Chili Flakes
- Garlic Powder
- Kosher Salt
- Eggs
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Fresh Basil or Parsley
How To Make Easy Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Add the marinara or spaghetti sauce to the crock pot.
- In a shallow bowl, add eggs and water, whisking together. To a separate shallow bowl, add bread crumbs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then whisk to combine.
- Dip each chicken breast in egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture, coating all sides. Place on top of the marinara sauce.
- Place lid on the crock pot. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- When the chicken is done, take the lid off the crock pot and sprinkle ½ cup of Parmesan and the Mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Place the lid back on the crock pot for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti according to the box directions. Serve chicken over cooked pasta along with the additional sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
What Size Crock Pot Is Best For This Recipe?
I use an oval-shaped 6-quart slow cooker. The shape allows for a package of 3 chicken breasts to fit nicely inside the crock pot bowl with ample room for the sauce.
If you are doubling this recipe, make sure to use a larger Crock Pot. I have an 8-quart slow cooker which works beautifully.
Can You Use Frozen Chicken In The Crock Pot?
The USDA recommends thawing meat in the refrigerator before using it in a crock pot recipe. Otherwise, frozen chicken in the slow cooker might take too long to cook at a safe temperature (above 165°F), allowing bacteria to grow. I think it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to cooking meat. Safety first, right?
How Long To Cook Chicken Parmesan In The Crock Pot
It’s not a secret that I love using my slow cooker for “hands-free” cooking. All I do is load up the crock pot, set the temperature and timer, then I’m off!
Cook times for slow cooker chicken Parmesan:
- LOW – 4 to 5 hours
- HIGH – 3 to 4 hours
- Before serving, test the chicken to make sure it’s cooked. An instant-read thermometer should register 165 degrees when inserted in the middle of the chicken breasts.
What Pasta Goes With This Recipe?
The answer to this question is…any pasta that you like! Or, even better, whatever type of pasta you have on hand. My family prefers spaghetti but penne pasta, fettuccine, rigatoni, and farfalle are also great choices.
Tips And Tricks
- Pound the Chicken: This ensures even cooking. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet or the bottom of a skillet to pound to an even thickness.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: Use a mix of breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned is a favorite) and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds flavor and helps the breading become crispier when frying.
- Layering: Place a small amount of sauce on the chicken before the cheese. This prevents the breading from becoming soggy.
- Resting: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist piece of chicken.
What To Serve With Chicken Parmesan
You can serve it with pasta, as suggested, or as a protein main dish. I love serving it with veggies, too. Oh, and don’t forget leftovers. This chicken parmesan recipe makes a great sandwich!
- Creamy Baked Fettuccine
- Easy Roasted Broccoli
- Instant Pot Garlic Parmesan Noodles
- Puffed Pastry Cheese Straws
- Air Fryer Baked Potato
- Skillet Green Beans
More Recipes Like This
- Crock Pot Chicken Thighs
- Crock Pot Hawaiian Meatballs
- Slow Cooked Shredded Mexican Beef
- Crock Pot Country Style Country Pork Ribs
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Sliders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 – 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce or spaghetti sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup grated Mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound spaghetti
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Add the marinara or spaghetti sauce to the crock pot.
- In a shallow bowl, add eggs and water, whisking together. To a separate shallow bowl, add bread crumbs, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then whisk to combine.
- Dip each chicken breast in egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture, coating all sides. Place on top of the marinara sauce.
- Place lid on the crock pot. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- When the chicken is done, take the lid off the crock pot and sprinkle ½ cup of Parmesan and the Mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Place the lid back on the crock pot for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- While the cheese is melting, cook the spaghetti according to the box directions. Serve chicken over cooked pasta along with the additional sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
How do u make the chicken crisp? Won’t it be kind of mushy in the crock pot?
This recipe is not meant to produce crispy Chicken Parmesan. The chicken is tender, juicy, and not mushy. It has a light flavorful coating and goes so well with the marinara and pasta.
If you give it a try, let me know.
Have a great day,
~Donya
There are lots of food blogger like this But the best food recipe ” Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan” is yours. Thanks for giving me this wonderful blog. I will try to make it like you.
Hey there Priya!
Wow! Reading your kind words has me smiling from ear to ear, I am so happy to hear that you’re excited about this recipe, I think you’re really going to love it! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to help! Thank you so much for your support, I really hope you enjoy this recipe!
~Donya